Oceania Cruises adds theme cruises in 2012

Theme cruises are everywhere, from raunchy rock concerts to controversial cougar cruises.

Launching in 2012, Oceania Cruises will offer a series of ten themed voyages with a slightly more upscale approach . Called, “Signature Sailings,” Oceania’s theme cruises will treat guests to a variety of enrichment activities that include culinary, wine, music and health & wellness themes. Guests will have the opportunity for hands-on classes, special concerts, wine tastings and seminars.

“We are delighted to introduce theme cruises for 2012,” said Bruce J. Himelstein, the line’s president. “While groups that share the same interests have regularly sailed with Oceania Cruises in the past, our new ‘Signature Sailings’ create a special opportunity for guests to experience the cruise in the company of fellow travelers who share their passion for the theme.”

Here is the line-up for the 2012 Signature Sailings with a total of four cruises featuring a food and/or wine theme

Jacques Pépin Cruise
Jacques Pépin will be aboard the Oceania Marina wowing guests with cooking demonstrations, book signings and a Q & A session. Jacques worked extensively with the legendary Julia Child and will most likely have many interesting stories to relate. Venues included in this culinary sailing event include the purpose-built Bon Appétit Culinary Center as well as Jacques Pépin’s signature restaurant. Request the “Tuscan Artistry” cruise ; a 10-night voyage on May 12, 2012 from Barcelona to Rome.

Spring Music Fest
A broad range of jazz styles will be featured. Six guest musicians, including four headliners, will perform individual main stage shows in addition to more casual jam sessions. There will also be special dance sets and dance instructors. Aboard the  Oceania Nautica, the “Mediterranean Tapestry” cruise will be May 14, 2012 for ten days, Athens to Barcelona.

Italian Wine Immersion Cruise
Highlights include lectures, tastings and special Wine Bars, where guest experts and special musical performers will create the perfect vibe to explore and experience great wines. This “Italian Interludes” cruise will be aboard the Oceania Regatta– July 27, 2012; twelve days from Rome to Venice.

Vitality & Wellness Cruise – two sailings
In addition to healthy eating and fitness tips, guests will gain insights on enhancing their mental wellness to live life to the fullest. Spinning, yoga and Pilates classes are also offered at the Canyon Ranch SpaClub and gourmet CanyonRanch spa cuisine is available. Cruise the Oceania Regatta’s “Pearls of theAegean” on August 8, 2012 for ten days, Venice to Athens and the Oceania Riviera’s “Accent on Italy” on October 24, 2012, ten days from Rome to Venice.

Bon Appétit Wine & Food Festival – two sailings
If you are a foodie fanatic, take heed. The experts at Bon Appétit magazine are assembling culinary stars and wine experts or editors for a palate-pleasing voyage. A brand new ship, the Riviera facilities also include the Bon Appétit Culinary Center and Artist Loft enrichment center. Cruise the Oceania Riviera on the ten day “Enchanted Grandeur” voyage on October 14, 2012, Athens-Rome or the Oceania Marina “Temples & Palaces,” a ten day cruise beginning on October 22, 2012 from Athens to Istanbul.

Stepping away from the food and wine theme, Oceania cruises has planned three more gala cruise events. A President’s Cruise and two past passenger reunion cruises.

President’s Cruise
Oceania Cruises President Bruce Himelstein and his wife Brigitte will host a 10-day voyage throughSouthern Europe. Special highlights are in store, both aboard ship and ashore. Nautica “Mediterranean Tapestry” – October 26, 2012; 10 days, Barcelona-Athens.

Oceania Club Reunion Cruise – two sailings
Oceania Cruises loyal past passengers are the guests of honor for two special reunion cruises, which include memorable surprises both onboard and ashore. Riviera “Iberian Odyssey” – June 17, 2012; 10 days, Lisbon-Rome and the Regatta “Radiant Rhythms” – March 6, 2013; 12 days, Buenos Aires-Rio de Janeiro.

If you aren’t familiar with Oceania Cruises, they are soon-to-be four ship fleet consisting of the two 684-guest Regatta and Nautica;  intimate ships acclaimed for their open-seating gourmet dining (no surcharges), luxurious public rooms and accommodations, and warm, attentive service. Facilities include four open-seating, gourmet restaurants, casino and Canyon Ranch SpaClub.

A bit larger are the 1,250-guest Marina and new Riviera,  purpose-built for epicureans with six open-seating, gourmet restaurants – including a French bistro by Master Chef Jacques Pépin. Facilities also include aBonAppétitCulinaryCenter and Artist Loft enrichment center. Interior design highlights include a Lalique-designed grand staircase, elegant public rooms, spacious accommodations and Owner’s Suites furnished exclusively inRalphLaurenHome.

Source: Oceania Cruises
Photo credit:  Sherry Laskin, unless otherwise noted.